As St. Christopher's and St. Catherine's Schools put into place additional computer resources and capabilities, and as sources of information that were unimaginable a few years ago become available to the Schools' communities, the Schools recognize their responsibility to ensure the proper use of this technology. All use of technology at the Schools must be consistent with the ethical and personal principles that our communities value. This document sets forth the code of behavior to which users of our Schools' computer resources must adhere.

The same basic rules of respect, honesty, integrity and common sense that apply to all interactions at the Schools also apply to the use of computers. Users of computers enjoy the same rights to privacy, security and ownership of their communications and information that are expected with more traditional forms of information. In addition, members of our communities who venture into the Internet or other areas from the Schools' own networks are acting as representatives of their School and are expected to behave accordingly. The Schools will work to educate students as to what is ethical and appropriate use of technology.

All users of computer technology at St. Christopher's and St. Catherine's Schools are expected to observe the following regulations while using the Schools' computer resources:
 

1. You may not access the files or accounts of others . Using in any way the account of a student who leaves a computer without logging off is unethical. To do so is no different from entering another's room and reading his or her letters, or opening someone's locker and taking a book.
2. When using information obtained over the network or the Internet, you must acknowledge copyrights and other legal protections . Copying software without a license is unethical and illegal; failure to list an Internet source in a submitted assignment is the same as plagiarizing from a book or magazine. You may use only legal versions of copyrighted software in compliance with vendor license requirements.
3. When communicating over the network, you must adhere to the same standards of respect and courtesy that govern communication elsewhere on campus . Threatening, harassing, obscene or derogatory communication is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. You must respect the privacy of others' communications and writings when using the Schools' technology resources.
4. You may not attempt to subvert network security, nor may you alter network software or hardware without the direct permission of the network administrators . Sharing passwords or other network information is a violation of these principles. To run or install any form of computer program or virus that may interfere with the operation of computers or the network, or corrupt the data or files of others, is forbidden.
5. Using the Schools' networks for illegal, commercial or wastefulactivities is prohibited . The computer networks exist to further our Schools' academic purposes and for school-related communication. Students may not misuse the Schools' computers by using excessive computer resources (for example by playing computer games or sending broadly-addressed letters without permission), or by accessing or transmitting violent, obscene, discriminatory, illegal, or otherwise unacceptable material. Users who are not certain that their actions will conform to these standards should ask a teacher or administrator before acting.
6. Failure to observe these acceptable computer use policies may constitute Honor Code and/or disciplinary violations . Use of the Schools' computer resources is a privilege, not a right. Users who violate these policies will lose their computer privileges, and may also be subject to Honor Council and/or disciplinary actions by their School. Computer users should also be aware that, while the Schools support the concept of privacy in communication, all communications over the network are legally accessible by the network administrators in the performance of their duties.